Edward Lear's Nonsense Botany
In a recent Science Observer, Anna Lena Phillips considered the resurgence of interest in Edward Lear’s scientific illustration—and the possibility that his nonsense drawings and verse
might have practical use as well. Thanks to Harvard University's Houghton Library, we're featuring a slide show of Lear's fantastic drawings. View it here.
The Magic of Bits

Tim Bell, coauthor of “The Information Paradox” (November–December 2012) works to help students understand computer science concepts using real-world materials and physical activities through Computer Science Unplugged. In this slide show, students in one of his classes at Chisnallwood Intermediate School in Christchurch, New Zealand, demonstrate CSUnplugged activities.
Behind the Scenes of Foldit
Foldit is an online citizen science game in which players solve protein structure for real-life research.
The game has facilitated groundbreaking biochemical discoveries through the work of hundreds of thousands of players worldwide.
Seth Cooper, lead designer of Foldit, talked with American Scientist about the continual process of creating the game. Read the interview here.
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